How to Get Rid of Hiccups in Newborns — What’s Normal and How to Fix It!
Hiccups in newborn babies are a common occurrence and generally not a cause for concern. They happen when the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing, contracts involuntarily, causing the vocal cords to close quickly and create the characteristic hiccup sound.
Understanding Hiccups in Newborn Babies
Many new parents wonder about the reason behind newborn hiccups and whether they are normal. The truth is, hiccups in newborns are a natural part of their development and are often linked to feeding habits, air intake or minor digestive disruptions. While harmless in most cases, frequent hiccups may sometimes indicate an underlying issue, such as reflux.
What Causes Hiccups in Newborns?
Parents can manage and prevent them effectively if they know the causes of newborn hiccups. Some common triggers include:
1. Feeding Too Quickly
When a baby feeds too fast, whether through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, they may swallow excess air, leading to spasms in the diaphragm.
2. Overfeeding
A full belly can press against the diaphragm, triggering hiccups in newborn babies.
3. Air Intake During Feeding
If a baby ingests air while feeding due to an improper latch or an empty bottle nipple, hiccups may follow.
4. Reflux Issues
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) can contribute to persistent hiccups, often accompanied by spitting up and discomfort.
5. Sudden Temperature Changes
Some infants experience hiccups due to shifts in body temperature or environmental conditions.
How to Stop Hiccups in Newborn Babies?
If hiccups in newborn babies occur frequently, there are several home care remedies and solutions to soothe them immediately. Let us find out how to get rid of hiccups:
1. Burping the Baby
Burping helps release trapped air in the stomach, reducing diaphragm spasms and preventing hiccups in newborn babies. Parents should burp their baby after every feeding session, when switching breasts during breastfeeding and halfway through bottle-feeding. Regular burping prevents air buildup in the belly, making digestion smoother and reducing the chances of hiccups occurring.
2. Adjusting Feeding Techniques
To minimize air intake while feeding, ensure a proper latch while breastfeeding to prevent excessive air ingestion.
If bottle-feeding, use an anti-colic nipple to control milk flow and reduce the risk of swallowing air. Always keep the bottle’s nipple full of milk to avoid gulping air. Additionally, hold the baby in a slightly upright position during feeding to aid digestion and reduce hiccups.
3. Offering a Pacifier
Sucking on a pacifier can help relax the diaphragm and regulate breathing rhythm, which may stop hiccups naturally. A pacifier is a rubber, plastic or silicone nipple substitute given to an infant or toddler to suck on.
4. Letting Hiccups Run Their Course
Hiccups in newborns often resolve on their own. If your baby is not fussy and continues feeding or sleeping comfortably, it’s best to let the hiccups pass.
5. Keeping the Baby Upright Post Feeding
After feeding, keeping the baby upright for about 15-20 minutes allows better digestion and reduces the likelihood of hiccups and reflux.
6. Trying a Warm Bath
A gentle warm bath can help relax the baby’s muscles, including the diaphragm, potentially easing hiccups.
Also Read —
Why Is My Newborn Baby Skin Peeling? How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Newborn Baby?
Preventing Hiccups in Newborn Babies
You can help prevent hiccups in newborn babies by adopting a few simple and effective parenting techniques:
- Feed Before the Baby is Extremely Hungry: A calm baby is less likely to gulp air while feeding.
- Use the Right Bottle and Nipple: Choose an anti-colic bottle and ensure the nipple size suits the baby’s age to control milk flow.
- Burp Regularly During Feeds: Frequent burping prevents air buildup in the belly, reducing hiccups.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Watch for signs of fullness and avoid forcing extra milk.
- Maintain a Calm Feeding Environment: A relaxed setting minimizes stress-related air intake during feeding.
Watch The Video
When to Call the Pediatrician?
While hiccups in newborns are generally normal, parents should be aware of symptoms that might indicate a more serious issue. Seek medical advice if:
- Hiccups are persistent and last beyond 15-20 minutes regularly.
- The baby is excessively fussy or shows signs of discomfort.
- Hiccups interfere with feeding or sleeping.
- The baby frequently spits up or arches their back, suggesting reflux.
- There are concerns about weight gain or digestion issues.
If any of these symptoms arise, consulting a pediatrician ensures proper care and peace of mind.
Also Read —
8 Benefits of Baby Massage. When to Start Oil Massage for Newborn Baby?
Final Thoughts
Hiccups in newborn babies are a natural part of their development and usually harmless. Understanding their causes and using simple remedies like burping, proper feeding techniques and pacifiers can help manage and prevent them.
However, if hiccups persist alongside discomfort or feeding issues, seeking medical guidance is the best course of action. With proper baby care and attention, new parents can effectively handle hiccups and ensure their infant’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are hiccups in newborn babies normal?
Yes, hiccups in newborns are normal and usually harmless. They occur due to diaphragm spasms, often triggered by feeding, air intake or reflux. Most babies are not bothered by them and outgrow frequent hiccups over time.
How to stop hiccups in newborn babies?
You can stop hiccups by burping your baby, offering a pacifier or keeping them upright after feeding. Feeding in a calm environment and ensuring a proper latch can also help reduce hiccup frequency.
Do hiccups mean my baby is uncomfortable or in pain?
No, most babies are not bothered by hiccups and can sleep through them. However, if hiccups are frequent and accompanied by fussiness, arching or spitting up, it may indicate reflux and require pediatrician consultation.
Can I prevent my baby from getting hiccups?
Yes, you can prevent hiccups by feeding your baby before they become too hungry, ensuring a good latch, using an anti-colic bottle, burping them frequently and keeping them upright after feeding for better digestion.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s hiccups?
Hiccups are usually harmless, but if they persist for long periods, interfere with feeding or sleep or are accompanied by reflux symptoms like excessive spitting up, consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying issues.